In 2007, saxophonist Peter Harper and his wife Enushu, a singer and chef, brought to Johnston Street The Horn. An Ethiopian food and music joint that has become one of Melbourne’s best gems.
And that is what this place truly is, a gem. There is so much character here that it’s hard not to imagine it spilling out into the street every time you open the door. It’s places like the Horn that make us fall in love with the cuisine, and more importantly with the true meaning of restaurants. A place to share a meal, to connect with a person, a culture, a taste and style, a rhythm and beat through every pore and every plate. The Horn is that beat. A truly Ethiopian experience, it is the passion that Peter and Enushu share with themselves, their music and us, that puts the Horn up on our top ten musts in Melbourne.
When you don’t see the couple twisting and winding from table to table, kitchen to counter, you’ll most likely see them fronting their own Ethiopian jazz, funk, hip-hop ensemble, The Black Jesus Experience.
The tables pull back, the patrons all stand, and you cannot help but feel connected to everyone in this place. To the music that’s vibrating through to your soul, the paintings that drape the walls, the black and white pictures of family members come and gone, and most especially to Peter and Enushu, the heart of it all.
They are tremendously passionate people. Offering a home-cooked menu that fills you with every bite, along with some of the nicest Ethiopian coffee we’ve tried. Single blend Sidamo is fantastic. The food is fresh and personal, creative and comforting. Red stew, lamb ribs, goat stewed with onion, pan-fried lamb, all served with homemade teff injera and more. The dishes spiral with tastes. Spices and aroma fill this quaint little restaurant much like the music.
There’s a selection of African beers and a house red to go with pretty much anything, along with cocktails. Either way, you’ll be singing and clapping along in no time.
We truly, really, very much so, recommend The Horn.
Bon Appetite.
Address
20 Johnston Street, Collingwood, VIC 3066
Website
Contact
- (03) 9417 4670
Opening Hours
Monday & Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday Open 5:30pm till 10pm
Thursday to Saturday Open 5:30pm till late
Sunday Open 5:30pm till 10pm
